Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @kane_s_w
South Africa’s Tabraiz Shamsi is the latest cricketer to opt out of a national central contract. The left-arm wrist-spinner confirmed that he made the decision to “explore all opportunities available” and to support his family in “the best way possible.”
At 34 and not an all-format player, Shamsi’s decision is understandable. However, it highlights a growing trend, with players — including younger ones — increasingly comfortable turning down national contracts in favor of franchise cricket for financial security.
It remains to be seen who will follow Shamsi, but the list of players opting out of central contracts is already significant.
Williamson is the most prominent player to decline a central contract, making the decision in June after New Zealand’s disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.
“Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure, and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished. However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer,” Williamson said.
Had he accepted the contract, Williamson would have been obligated to play the home white-ball series against Sri Lanka in December and January. Instead, he will represent Durban’s Super Giants in SA20. Despite declining the contract, Williamson has made it clear that Test cricket remains his priority.
Trent Boult was an early adopter of this trend, opting out of a central contract in August 2022 to step away from Test cricket and focus on franchise leagues.
Since then, Boult has played in the IPL, BBL, ILT20, MLC, and two T20 World Cups, while also participating in the Abu Dhabi T10 League. Although he hasn’t formally retired from international cricket, Boult’s New Zealand career is largely considered over.
Nicholas Pooran turned down a central contract in December last year, yet remains a key figure in West Indies’ T20I lineup.
The reality is that West Indies need Pooran more than he needs them, and the team has accepted his importance, continuing to select him despite his contract status. In 2024, Pooran has broken numerous records, including the most T20 runs and sixes in a calendar year — and he’s still going strong.
In May last year, Jason Roy gave up his central contract with the ECB to join Major League Cricket (MLC) with the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR). Though he was still eligible for selection, Roy has not played for England since and has shifted focus to T20 franchise cricket, competing in the CPL, MLC, PSL, ILT20, and SA20 in 2024. He also featured in the Abu Dhabi T10.
Other Notable Players
- West Indies: Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers
- New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne
- South Africa: Anrich Nortje
Ben Stokes, while still centrally contracted with the ECB, turned down a three-year deal last year, opting for a one-year extension instead.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
